This hardcover review of the mysterious architectural-sculptures of Swiss artist Not Vital is driven by his persistent desire to create shelters.

This stylistically produced book documents the architectural-sculptures of Swiss artist Not Vital (b. 1948) and his extensive work. Around the world, Vital has worked on a series of large-scale projects that touch the boundaries between sculpture and architecture.

Motivated by a desire to build shelters traced back to his childhood, Vital has traveled to Niger, Chile, Belgium, Brazil, Indonesia, and the Philippines to construct responsive habitats that integrate into the communities where they are built. For example, the House to Watch the Sunset, a tower-shaped structure that is both ancient and futuristic, is made from local materials sourced in Brazil, Niger, and Switzerland.

In addition to these works, Not Vital: Scarch contains sketches of structures, studio photos, concepts for future projects, and sculptures related to the works.